A fine balance between oxidised and reduced haem controls the survival of intraerythrocytic plasmodia

Parassitologia. 1999 Sep;41(1-3):205-8.

Abstract

The polymerisation of haemoglobin-derived ferri-protoporphyrin IX (Fe(III)PPIX) to haemozoin (malaria pigment) is a crucial process for intraerythrocytic plasmodia to prevent haem toxicity. It is also the target of in-use antimalarial drugs and newer compounds. This reaction and the inhibition thereof can be reproduced and studied in vitro.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electrochemistry
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Heme / metabolism*
  • Hemeproteins / metabolism*
  • Hemin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Plasmodium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Hemeproteins
  • hemozoin
  • Heme
  • Hemin